Happy International Women’s Day! March 8th is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of self-identifying women worldwide.
In promoting gender equity, we acknowledge that not all women are the same. We advocate for women to be provided with opportunities and resources fitted to their circumstances to allow them to achieve equitable outcomes. This is especially important in women’s health research, where we recognize that women’s health concerns and access to healthcare resources vary. Likewise, not all women are provided with the same educational opportunities in pursuing certain careers, such as those in STEM. This International Women’s Day, we call on everyone to #EmbraceEquity and join us in our continued fight for gender equity.
This year, the GCI is joining forces with the Women’s Health Research Institute and the Women’s Health Research Cluster to showcase some amazing women at the forefront of women’s health research and highlight resources and events to help you celebrate International Women’s Day. Be sure to check out their websites for additional resources and tools!
Embracing Equity in Research
Beyond the Stories: Molecular Classification/ ProMisE
Just last month, the GCI released Beyond the Stories: Molecular Classification/ProMisE, which highlights how molecular stratification moves beyond a ‘one size fits all’ to a personalized genomic medicine approach, reducing disparity in cancer care and improving the quality of life and outcomes for Canadian women. ProMisE is a molecular classification tool that uses simple low cost laboratory tests that stratifies endometrial cancers based on their risk to guide their clinical management and therapy. This system was developed by Dr. Jessica McAlpine and her team here in BC.
Beyond the Stories: Molecular Classification/ ProMisE was the fourth and final episode in our Beyond the Stories video series. It features Dr. Jessica McAlpine, Dr. Amy Jamieson, as well as patient partners Stephani and Margaret as they discuss the impact of tailored care on women’s health.
Removing Fallopian Tubes During C-Section or After Vaginal Birth for Ovarian Cancer Prevention
Opportunistic Salpingectomy has opened the door to ovarian cancer prevention. People can now choose to have their fallopian tubes removed during pelvic surgeries to reduce their risk of developing ovarian cancer.
In the newest addition to the GCI Knowledge Translation Blog, Khaye Rufin addresses some common questions and concerns about opportunistic salpingectomy. Khaye is currently a PhD student in the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences program at UBC under the supervision of Dr. Gillian Hanley, who has led research studying the safety and efficacy of opportunistic salpingectomy as an ovarian cancer prevention strategy.
Listen to Women’s Health Podcasts
@WomensResearch Podcast
This podcast explores the latest in women’s health research in BC! There is much more to research than results – there are rich and fascinating stories to be told about how scientists discover a gap in knowledge, how they collaborate, why they choose to pursue a line of inquiry, or why a research user should care about their work.As part of the WHRI’s Strategic Plan, this podcast aims to address their third strategic priority, which is to increase and promote research translation, implementation, and communication.
In this episode, Dr. Arianne Albert, Senior Biostatistician, and Dr. Liisa Galea, Scientific Advisor, explore a loaded question: Why women’s health research?
In this episode, Drs. Jila Mirlashari, Ann Pederson, and Janet Lyons discuss their work which aims to understand barriers to and develop interventions for healthcare providers to address gender based violence in the perinatal period.
This episode features Karen Mason, Dr. Paul van Donkelaar, and Quinn Boyle, who discuss their research for the SOAR (Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury) project.
Women’s Health Interrupted
This podcast explores women’s health through scientific inquiry and storytelling. Spanning across four overarching themes: general health and wellness, brain health, socio-cultural determinants of health as well as politics, policy, and advocacy, this podcast brings you content about women’s health from every angle.
GOSH Gynecologic Oncology Podcast
GOSH stands for the Gynecologic Oncology Sharing Hub, an open space for real and evidence based discussions on gynecologic cancers. The GOSH Podcast shares the stories of gynecologic cancer patients and survivors and hears from researchers and clinicians who are working behind the scenes to improve the lives of people with gynecologic cancers.
Upcoming Events
Gynecologic Cancer Survivorship:
When: March 31st, 2023, 9am-1pm PST
Where: In Person (Canadian Cancer Society Boardroom) or Zoom
Researchers, clinicians, healthcare leaders, and patient-partners that are in the gynecological cancer circle of care are invited to attend this interactive networking event that will review current evidence about survivorship care and explore opportunities for collaborative initiatives based in British Columbia. Returning to Work, Fatigue, and Exercise will feature presentations by Maureen Parkinson and Dr. Kristin Campbell.
WHRC Trainee Research Presentations
When: March 31st, 2023, 11-12pm PST
Where: Zoom
Come out and support up and coming scientists! The Trainee Presentation Series feature short, blitz-style presentations by trainees on topics including: cervical and endometrial cancer, early pregnancy assessments and sex differences in brain activity. The event is an excellent opportunity to learn about what trainees are working on, join an engaging discussion about women’s health research, and network with peers. Everyone is welcome!
WHRC Trainee Research Presentations
When: June 14th, 2023, 9-12:30 pm PST
The WHRC will be having a trainee conference on June 14th, 2023 from 9-12:30 PM PST. Stay tuned for details and abstract submission guidelines. Supporting trainees in their educational journeys is an important part of ensuring that the next generation of women’s health researchers are on track to promote equity and gender parity!